NDLEA Seizes Multi-Million-Naira Opioids Hidden in Sienna Bumper, Meth in Auto Parts, and Other Drugs in Anambra, Cross River, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ekiti, and Lagos
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled a trans-border drug trafficking syndicate, arresting four members in a series of intelligence-driven operations. The crackdown led to the recovery of multi-million-naira worth of tramadol pills, cleverly concealed within the bumpers and false compartments of Sienna buses headed for border towns.
Following weeks of surveillance, NDLEA’s Directorate of Intelligence intercepted a Sienna bus with registration number ABJ 452 HG at Nasarawa-Toto Road, Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday, January 27, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. Two suspects, Zahradeen Adamu (27) and Abubakar Usman (44), were arrested while traveling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Yola, Adamawa State. A second Sienna, driven by Abba Usman (48), was also stopped.
A thorough search of both vehicles uncovered hidden steel compartments beneath the rear bumpers and spare tire storage spaces, where 190,960 tramadol pills were stashed. Further investigations traced the supply to Kingsley Mbaeri, a dealer based in Onitsha, Anambra State. A swift follow-up raid at his residence on Uga Street, Onitsha, led to his arrest on January 29, along with the seizure of two vehicles: a Toyota Corolla (FGG 948 MF) and a Toyota Sienna (GWA 23 HH).
In a separate operation on February 4, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus traveling from Onitsha at Abaji checkpoint, FCT Abuja. A passenger, Chimezie Henry Ojingwa (32), was arrested with a black bag containing auto spare parts. Upon inspection, 404.47 grams of methamphetamine, 506.49 grams of “Loud” (a synthetic cannabis strain), and 262.32 grams of dimethyl sulfone (a meth precursor) were discovered hidden in the spare parts.
Other interdictions across Nigeria included:
- Cross River State (Feb 13): 170,000 tramadol pills seized from a truck driven by Paul Chukwudi (31) along Ogoja-Abakaliki Road.
- Lagos (Feb 11): 85,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup recovered from a container at Apapa Seaport.
- Borno State (Feb 14): Halilu Isa and Gambo Umaru arrested at Bama Road, Maiduguri, with 60 compressed blocks of cannabis (skunk) weighing 72 kg.
- Ekiti State (Feb 11): NDLEA raided a notorious drug den on Iloda Street, Ikole-Ekiti, arresting Bala Muhammed (57), Yahaya Adamu (55), and Abdullahi Shehu (30), with 83 kg of skunk confiscated.
- Lagos (Feb 15): Samiat Olabisi Yussuf (28) arrested at her Lekki residence, where operatives seized 169.5 liters of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and 111 grams of Loud.
- Taraba State: Ibrahim Usman (40) apprehended in Wukari with 88 kg of Arizona and Ghana Loud, while Solomon James (40) was caught with 44.84 kg of the same substance in Takanaba, Sabongari, Jalingo LGA.
Meanwhile, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign with sensitization programs across various institutions, including:
- Government Technical College, Oku, Akwa Ibom
- Future Leaders Academy, Kishi, Oyo State
- Government Secondary School, Bashire, Sokoto
- Ehere Comprehensive School, Ogbor Hill, Abia
- Government Day Secondary School, Taura, Jigawa
- Jesuit College, Agbado Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Kano: NDLEA held an awareness session for married women in purdah at Markaz Umar Bn Khattab Centre.
Commending the efforts of officers across the Directorate of Intelligence and state commands involved in the latest arrests and drug seizures, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) urged operatives nationwide to intensify their fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Femi Babafemi
